Mind teaser 3-D puzzle

ABSTRACT

A geometrical three dimensional puzzle containing grouping of spheres which can be differentiated from each other by texture using the sense of touch, or color and shading by using the sense of sight. The open framework can be made of linear rods intersected perpendicularly by ribs. The open framework may also be made of curved rails. At east one void allows for the spheres to be manipulated and moved around within the open framework. The object of the game is to fill each leg with like colored spheres.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The problem with today's entertainment is that most of it involves hours spent in front of a television without any brain stimulation whatsoever. Three dimensional puzzles such as the Rubik's Cube® have come along once in a while and for a brief while draw the public's attention away from television sets. However, once the secret is out on how to solve the puzzle, they lose some of their magic, and the public reverts back to non brain stimulating entertainment. This keeps game and toy manufacturers looking for the next game that will capture the public's attention. There is and will always be a need for novel three dimensional puzzles much like the new invention disclosed here in to fulfill this need.

2. Background Art

U.S. Pat. No. 3,945,645 issued to Roberts on Mar. 23, 1976 shows a pyramid comprised of smaller spheres stacked on top of each other with a rigid framed base holding the bottom most layer of spheres together in compression. The subsequent layers of spheres being stacked on top of each other resting in the crevices the spheres below them create.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,247 issued to Kobres on Nov. 29, 1977 shows a geometric puzzle comprised solely of spheres where the spheres are connected to each other and can be manipulated to form two and three dimensional shapes.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,103 issued to Cheng on Jan. 29, 1991 shows a puzzle similar to the one described by Kobres where the spheres are joined together, but with the addition of a base block wherein half spherical depressions are present to receive the spheres and provide a blueprint for geometrical shapes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a challenging puzzle wherein differentiated groups of spheres or spheres (herein referred to as “spheres”) are trapped by an open metal or plastic tubular geometric framework (herein referred to as “open framework”). This open framework allows the user to put their fingers in and move the spheres around within the confined open framework legs, but does not allow the user to pull the spheres out. There is one sphere removed to create a void and allow the rest of the spheres to be mixed, sorted and moved around the geometric puzzle. The object of the game is to get each leg of the open framework filled with its respective like marked grouping of spheres. The open framework's shape can be, but not limited to, a triangle, sphere, cube, or pentagon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the assembled puzzle using a framework of rods and ribs.

FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 are isometric views of the assembled puzzle using a framework of curved rails and further shows movement of one of the spheres throughout the framework of curved rails.

FIGS. 2 a, 3 a, 4 a, 5 a are zoom-ins showing movement of one of the spheres throughout the framework of curved rails.

Element Number linear segment or “Leg” 1 linear parrallel rod or “Rod” 2 Rib 3 Curved Rail 4 Sphere 5 Void 6

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As best seen in the perspective view of FIG. 1, the puzzle in the form of a pyramid is constructed with of an open tubular geometric framework (herein referred to as “open framework”) of six linear segments (herein referred to as “legs”) (1). The legs (1) are each composed of linear parallel length rods (2) which are intersected ninety degrees by circular ribs (3). The legs (1) are then each joined together at their respective ends allowing open and free travel of the differentiated groups of spheres (5).

The legs (1) of the open framework can alternatively be composed of curved rails (4) as seen in FIG. 2-5. The curved rails (4) replace the rod (2) and rib (3) design and give the open framework a more fluidic look.

The open framework can be made from any metal or plastic material. If the open framework is manufactured using a plastic, injection molding would most likely be the preferred process. Injection molding using a plastic or resin is cost effective and has the benefits of quality through repeatability while adhering to close tolerances.

The spheres (5) and corresponding open framework may be scaled to any size. This can render a scaled down version of the invention portable for trips and long waits at airports. A full scale version of the invention can be used for home use. Likewise, a large scale version as tall as a child can be used in toy stores, playgrounds, and children's educational centers. Here the invention can not only teach problem solving skills, but also can help build teamwork skills as teams of children compete against each other.

The open framework legs (1) may be of any color making them specific to gender classes or allowing the buyer to purchase the entire collector's set of colors.

The spheres (5) can have characters or symbols on them so they can be differentiated by not just different colors. Additionally the spheres (5) can have different textures on them so that visually handicapped (blind) people can utilize the game as well.

FIGS. 2 through 5 are isometric views showing movement of one of the spheres (5) throughout the framework of curved rails (4). In the first step FIG. 2, the single colored sphere (5) will move from the left to the right lower rail (4). In the second step FIG. 3, the multi colored sphere (5) will move down and into the left rail (4). In the third step FIG. 4, the single colored sphere (5) will move to the left and up the rail (4). In FIG. 5, we see the single colored sphere (5) joined with its other four like colored spheres (5) completing one leg (1) of the puzzle. 

1. A geometrical three dimensional puzzle comprising: an open tubular geometric framework enclosing a plurality of differentiated groups of spheres.
 2. The geometrical three dimensional puzzle of claim 1 having said open tubular geometric framework comprised of legs, each said leg being further comprised of linear parallel length rods which are intersected ninety degrees by circular ribs.
 3. The geometrical three dimensional puzzle of claim 1 having said open tubular geometric framework comprised of legs, each said leg being further comprised of curved rails.
 4. The geometrical three dimensional puzzle of claim 1 wherein said open tubular geometric framework legs are joined at each end and allow free communication and travel of said spheres.
 5. The geometrical three dimensional puzzle of claim 1 having at least one void between said spheres to allow movement, alternate mixing, and final ordering of said spheres.
 6. The geometrical three dimensional puzzle of claim 1 wherein said open tubular geometric framework legs is made of a material selected from the group comprising: metal, plastic, thermoplastic, or resin.
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. The three dimensional puzzle of claim 1 is made in the shape selected from the group comprising: pyramid, sphere, or pentagon.
 11. (canceled)
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